Work and Asthma. When to go back.

I have been off for 2 weeks with my flare up, 2 courses of pred. Getting better but slowly. i work part time and dont get paid if i dont work. Taking this weekend as hols to see if i am better next week. I am a receptionist so need to be able to talk and phone. So frustrating. How does every one else judge when to go back? my peak flow is down from 410 to 350,still, any advice greatfully read.

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Perhaps go back when you can get through a conversation without coughing. It's difficult to know when to go back, but you have to listen to your body and then take your best guess as to wether or not you'll get through the day. I'm self employed, so like you I don't get paid if I don't work, and in the past I've worked when I really shouldn't have thinking of the pay and then suffered for it. I'm off this week, so next week I've arranged to do the afternoons on Monday and Tuesday before I do full days on Wednesday and Thursday.

I hope you feel better soon and can go back to work. x

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The short answer is when you feel ready. In the real world however there re bills to paid and commitments to be met. Still, if you can afford it I really would take your time, your health comes first. What about statutory sick pay? Do you qualify?

I'm self employed and very rarely have problems with asthma but I always make sure I have my ""just in case fund"" that allows me to have up to six months off should I ever need it. It would be worth your while starting one IMO. Hope you're feeling better soon.

[Annista]

I also find it difficul to judge when to go back. I often get up feeling great, go off to work and then regret it. However, I have taken advice from a friend and now when I get up feeling great I don't go to work, I go out for a walk round the lake. If I can do it in one go or just stop once I go back to work the next day. If I have to stop and sit down more than once I take another day. Thankfully there are plenty of benches stragetically placed!

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I understand entirely - frustrating isn't it? I'm a part time teacher - also using my voice all day. I'm still at 350 from 475 and still on 40mg prednisolone etc and after 3 weeks off it is now half term. The doctor has advised another 4 weeks and said she can always do a fit note if I get better - I sometimes feel OK, but had two friends visit me today and talked all morning - I could feel myself getting exhausted and I had to sleep when they'd gone - I was back down to 310! So I think - make sure you can cope with a night out gassing with mates or a long coffee session and a walk round town etc before you know you are ready. I went back after a week still on pred, at 350-370 and was off to A&E the following night, prompting this longer bout...

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Thank you all for your advice and support. Its was great to hear from you. Ithink that the going for a walk and doing it without too much trouble sounds like a good physical test as does having a get together, that sounds fun too. Could do with a bit of that. Having an emergency fund is a great idea, unfortunatley Im completely strapped at the moment with 2 kids at uni and college and being a widow. I did have a fund but sadly all gone now. I hope you all feel better soon and take care.xx